Gofal director Ewan Hilton said some of the survey findings were a concern
although not all were a surprise due to the feedback they receive from service
users.

He highlighted the issue of people having to wait for a referral.

"Where interventions [take place] before four weeks you see people's mental
health improving," he said.

"I think the thing it is really telling us is that attitudes of GPs need to
improve, waiting times need to improve."

He said he was hopeful that action and the legislation by the Welsh
government should improve services, adding that he hopes to be "reporting much
greater improvements and fewer concerns" next year.

A Welsh government spokesperson said last month the Welsh government outlined
a Together
for Mental Health strategy which will be delivered in partnership with
health boards, local authorities, the voluntary sector, service users, carers
and families.

"As part of the strategy, the highly successful Mental Health First Aid
programme will continue helping people to recognise the signs and symptoms of
someone with mental health problems."